Carex praegracilis is a species in the Cyperaceae (Sedge) family known by the common names clustered field sedge and expressway sedge. It is native to much of North America, from Alaska across southern Canada and throughout the continental United States except for the southeastern region. It grows in wet and seasonally wet environments in a number of habitats, including meadows and wetlands, and is often riparian or semi-riparian in the drier parts of its range. It tolerates disturbed habitat such as roadsides and thrives in alkaline substrates. This sedge produces sharply triangular stems up to 80 or 100 centimeters tall from a network of thin, coarse rhizomes. The flower cluster is a dense, somewhat cylindrical array of flower spikes up to 4 or 5 centimeters long. The plant is often dioecious, with an individual bearing male or female flowers in its flower clusters, but not both. It spreads readily by rhizomes. In the garden it can be useful in poorly draining areas, in the spaces between pavers, and as a replacement for non-native lawn grasses. It has a soft texture, can be mowed, and requires significantly less water.

Plant Description

Plant Type

Grass

Max. Height

2 - 3.5 ft (0.6 - 1.1 m)

Max. Width

3.5 ft (1.1 m)

Form

Upright, Mounding

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Evergreen

Flower Color

Green

Flowering Season

Spring

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Native Status

Native

Natural Setting

Site Type

Moist and semi-moist areas such as meadows, seeps, stream banks and lake/pond shoreline